Money

College costs have become an enormous outlay for families, and the price tag seems to rise by larger amounts every year. According to the College Board, tuition and fees at private four-year colleges jumped 5.9 percent last year and rose 6.4 percent at public four-year colleges. Many families rely on financial aid to help them cover some or all of their higher education costs.

In recent months, the news has been full of stories about struggling auto makers and declining car sales. While that’s bad news for the economy, it can be good news for consumers looking to make an auto purchase because car dealers are anxious for your business.

ROSELAND – Financial illiteracy is a national crisis. Personal bankruptcies have surged and, according to a recent survey, 26 percent of Americans admit to not paying all their bills on time. It’s clear, Americans need more and better financial education.

NEWARK – Autumn has arrived and even though your heat may still be off, making a few changes around your home now can help lower energy costs when the weather turns colder. Some ideas to consider: • Visit PSE&G’s Home…

“The Internal Revenue Service is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Return Preparation Program (VRPP),” said New Jersey’s IRS spokesperson Gregg Semanick. “The IRS is looking for volunteers to take part in the VRPP throughout New Jersey during the 2010 tax filing season.”